The most disconcerting thing is that no one really cares - least of all the game companies. After all, you bought the game - that's where their obligation ends. As long as the people who bought the game during the release rush liked the multiplayer features, what's to complain about? They've already made most of their money.

Every once in a while, however, there are actual instances of intentional malice. A friend of mine recalled an instance where he joined a 'net game of Tribes 2, as his friends were offline, and after a bit of playing started getting fired on by one of his teammates for being a n00b. Mind you, my friend had not fired upon a single team member and had even managed to wound some enemies - but elitism is still alive and well in some circles.